Chandigarh: The districts of Punjab are not doing enough testing for COVID-19 despite the continuous increase in the number of cases, hence directions have been given to ramp up the testing. World Health OrganizationMinimum daily test standards.
Timely detection requires 140 tests per million daily, but current levels are far lower than neighboring Haryana and Himachal, where the number of cases has increased. Punjab will need to conduct at least 4,200 tests daily, compared to last week’s average of 2,253. Punjab uses reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and rapid antigen Examination (Mice). Of the 4,200-testing standard, 3,000 should be RT-PCR.
Haryana and Himachal Pradesh conducted 4,871 and 3,897 tests respectively last week, with an average screening of 33,521 over seven days, with Uttar Pradesh at number one, followed by Gujarat (16,857), Karnataka (7,960), and Maharashtra (9,204) Is. The Center asked states to identify any emerging hotspots and conduct daily tests to contain the virus. States should monitor trends in influenza-like illnesses and severe acute respiratory infections.
Punjab COVID-19 nodal officer Dr. Rajesh Bhaskar said that the orders have come to meet the daily testing standards set by WHO with special focus on RT-PCR. He added: “The emphasis on extensive surveillance of suspected cases will help in keeping the situation under control.” After Punjab conducted a two-day Covid mock drill, State Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh said the situation is under control and the health infrastructure is ready to deal with any surge in Covid-19 cases.
Timely detection requires 140 tests per million daily, but current levels are far lower than neighboring Haryana and Himachal, where the number of cases has increased. Punjab will need to conduct at least 4,200 tests daily, compared to last week’s average of 2,253. Punjab uses reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and rapid antigen Examination (Mice). Of the 4,200-testing standard, 3,000 should be RT-PCR.
Haryana and Himachal Pradesh conducted 4,871 and 3,897 tests respectively last week, with an average screening of 33,521 over seven days, with Uttar Pradesh at number one, followed by Gujarat (16,857), Karnataka (7,960), and Maharashtra (9,204) Is. The Center asked states to identify any emerging hotspots and conduct daily tests to contain the virus. States should monitor trends in influenza-like illnesses and severe acute respiratory infections.
Punjab COVID-19 nodal officer Dr. Rajesh Bhaskar said that the orders have come to meet the daily testing standards set by WHO with special focus on RT-PCR. He added: “The emphasis on extensive surveillance of suspected cases will help in keeping the situation under control.” After Punjab conducted a two-day Covid mock drill, State Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh said the situation is under control and the health infrastructure is ready to deal with any surge in Covid-19 cases.